Need a Penny, Take a Penny, Have a Penny, Leave a Penny. You may have seen a jar or tray at the gas station with that label. They used to be every where and if you keep your eyes open you can still find them here or there. The concept was brilliant. If you’ve got a few some spare change, leave it for the next person so they don’t have to break that twenty to come up with two cents. Or if you’re the guy that rarely carries cash, like me, and doesn’t ever carry change, like me, then it’s a helpful tray of loose change when the $1.79 Dew costs $2.02 and I’ve only got $2.
However, the tray only works if the generous outnumber the greedy. No generous people and the tray sits empty as the large jar at home fills with spare change for that next vacation. To many greedy people and some kid raids the tray when the cashier isn’t looking so he can buy a candy bar. And the sad thing is, when I do see the tray these days, it is mostly empty, if I happen to see the tray at all…
Why have we lost our generous spirit? Santa is the happiest man this time of year because he gets to deliver gifts, right? Giving is better than getting, right?
One of the most basic things about following Jesus is cultivating a generous spirit. Generosity flows from a place of gratitude, contentment and happiness. The more I realize how happy I am to know God, the more grateful I am of all I have already received and the more happy I am with what I already have, the more I give. Which makes me happy – all over again. Because giving IS better than getting.
I want to be jollier than Santa. Which shouldn’t be a problem since the modern global gift bearer is a myth (sorry kids…). My goal is to cultivate a generous heart willing to give in any way possible. Whether it’s money, time, energy, attitude, work, a smile, or even computer advice. I want to because I have all I need. And because I've been given all I have. And I definitely have a penny.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” – Paul, 2 Corinthians 9:8
How does giving make you feel?